Mourinho Praises Midfield Trio

Mourinho Praises Midfield Trio

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on the three midfielder’s who dominated the field against Arsenal. Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera have been a bit of a revelation as a partnership this season – and it’s clear that Jose is very close to finding his best XI when these 3 come together in the side.

The trio have been set out by Mourinho to ideally get the best out of Paul Pogba and instigate attacks more effectively whilst providing cover to the defence. Pogba has adopted a play-maker role with Carrick as the deep-lying midfielder sitting in front of the back 4, whilst Herrera has been hugely effective in his box-to-box role.

Mourinho has had a lot to say about Pogba after the Arsenal game, having watched the Frenchman play an almost perfect game. The Portuguese manager has had to answer a lot of question’s about the world record man in recent times, but Pogba is slowly but surely justifying his price-tag.


“He is adapting much better in relationships, to the intensity of the competition, and he is much more confident. Obviously he plays with some guidelines over his position but at the same time with some freedom to occupy some attacking areas where he feels and thinks he can be important. He is comfortable on the pitch. That is the best way of saying it.” said Mourinho about Pogba this week.

“Midfield is playing very well. Pogba, Carrick, Herrera, they are playing very well. The defenders – the way Jones and Marcos performed was so solid and confident. We defended high and we were compact when we had to be. It is a very good performance [Against Arsenal].”

Carrick had a slow start to his campaign under Mourinho, but has begun to stake a big claim in the side. Mourinho has opened up about his admiration for Carrick, saying he hopes to extend the midfielder’s deal, but also adds that he is frustrated the Englishman is 35, and not getting any younger. “Michael is 35 years old. With such an intense game he was having some cramps in the last period, which is normal,” said Mourinho.

“It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us. He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity. I always loved him but instead of being his manager when he was 24 I am his manager when he is 35. We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest. I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season.”

[Quotes sourced via Guardian]